PIP assessment- the useless point!

sovauye

Anyone else noticed this?

For section 3 (managing therapy) part (a) scores 1 point if awarded. But what use is this point if awarded? Every other points that can be awarded are all in multiples of 2, and the target scores to reach are also in multiples of 2.

fumin37

Whats the point indeed !they are having a laugh arnt they ...

Ames

I think it's a psychological thing, they think that one point will 'feel' better than zero points. As if it's the difference between 'they don't believe anything I said' and 'at least they believe I have some problems'.

There was a similar thing with one of the older benefits, where one point was awarded for 'claimant thinks that work will worsen their condition'.

Alice_Holt

There is one PIP descriptor that carries 3 points -
4e. Needs assistance to be able to get in or out of a bath or shower. 3 points.

Mostly useless, then!

However, it can be helpful on appeal depending on the reason for the aid.
If needed because of memory problems - then it may be possible to argue that the HCP has acknowledged memory difficulties, but failed to consider other activities for which memory difficulties would mean the claimant would not perform the descriptors reliably, to an acceptable standard, etc.

Uglymug

There's another anomaly.
On the moving around you could get 0, 4, 8, 10 or 12 points.
There's a descriptor that give 10 points, which is enough to give standard rate for mobility, to get enhanced rate you'd then need an extra 2 points from planning. Unfortunately there's no 2 point descriptor so you'll need to get at least 4 points.
So there can be no possible difference in the outcome between these 2 descriptors:-
c. Can stand and then move unaided more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres. 8 points.
d. Can stand and then move using an aid or appliance more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres. 10 points
The 10 point descriptor is redundant.